The four Scotch Oakburn College students have been studying at the Australian Maritime College under the University of Tasmania’s High Achiever Program.

Alexis Duddridge, Thomas Rehrmann, Sakun Thantulage and George Coe studied Mathematics 1 and Mathematics 2 over two semesters, attending lectures at AMC’s Newnham campus.

The High Achiever Program enriches the educational opportunities for high-achieving students and develops links between the University of Tasmania, the students and their schools and colleges. There are currently 40 students statewide studying within the program, which is offered across a number of disciplines and subjects.

As well as providing students with academic challenge and the chance to experience university life, the program offers a number of other benefits including subsidised course costs, credit towards a University of Tasmania degree, counting units towards the ATAR, access to facilities and support services, and guaranteed offer of a place in a University degree program.

The students heard about the program through their teachers at Scotch Oakburn College and have all described the experience as an invaluable kickstart to future to their future tertiary studies.

Alexis Duddridge found while the juggle of TCE and university study was challenging, it was worth it.

“Undoubtedly the course was high intensity. I remember getting our lecture notes for the first semester which were over an inch thick and wondering what I had gotten myself into!” he said.

“Thankfully though, a considerable portion of the units overlapped and along with support from the other HAP Mathematics boys, the workload was manageable.”

For Thomas Rehrmann, involvement in the High Achiever Program has strengthened his desire to study at AMC.

“I thoroughly enjoy the culture and way of education and believe I will thrive in this environment. After experiencing lectures at AMC and meeting so many great people, I hope to study a degree in Naval Architecture which I trust will bring exciting new possibilities after university,” he said.

And the time spent on campus means a few less nerves and uncertainty around beginning university life.

“I have really enjoyed being an active member on the campus. We all had the ability to make friends with classmates, as well as valuable time spent with my lecturer. Talking to classmates in a social situation was extremely valuable as this gave an opportunity to expand my knowledge by working with others who are possibly more understanding of the content and can educate me further,” Thomas said.

AMC Deputy Director (Students and Education), Dr Chris Chin supervises the students and says the program is designed to challenge and engage students.

“It gives students the chance to experience university life, different teaching styles and learning approaches at the University of Tasmania. Students who complete this program will be well prepared for future university studies,” he said.

Dr Jess Woodroffe, Academic Coordinator, Office of the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Schools Engagement and Academic Quality) says the High Achiever Program is an important part of the University of Tasmania’s expanding schools engagement work.

“We are thrilled to offer this quality program and to support students from across the state to experience University and provide an extension to their secondary schooling,” she said.

Published on: 04 Dec 2017